The Homosexuality Debate and the Body of Christ

Communion du chevalier Reims by Vassil

When I spoke about the homosexuality debate recently (Video Here), I began by looking at the Nicene Creed (Post on the creed here) as the standard ​for what beliefs are central when one calls themselves a Christian.  What we observed was that there is a whole lot (including your beliefs on human sexuality) that are not in there.  

So, the debate over a person't beliefs about human sexuality does not decide whether or not that person is a Christian.  So, the question turns to how on earth we live as the body of christ when we disagree so passionately.  I believe the key is to recognize that what we all share in common, what we all need so desperately, what hold us all together is the body and blood of Jesus Christ. ​

That is one of the many reasons I love communion: because it is a sacrament of the church that reinforces our unity as a body.  It reinforces our connection with all Christians in all places in all times.  So, I wanted to post a prayer for this debate that is part of the communion liturgy.  May this prayer define our faith more than any disagreement or theological distinctive.​

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet.  Through your Son Jesus Christ, with your Holy Spirit in your Holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever.